Commercial/Residential building plan reviewer

Job Description

Performs difficult technical and administrative work involving the review of commercial and residential construction drawings and specifications for compliance to ensure that proposed commercial and residential construction projects conform with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, with the exception of fire detection, fire alarming, and fire suppression systems; does related work as required. Work is performed under general supervision.

The hiring range for this position is from $34.16/hour to $46.97/hour based on experience.
The full salary range for this position is from $34.16/hour to $59.78/hour to provide opportunity for growth and development.

Examples of Duties

Reviews commercial, residential, multi-family, and industrial construction plans for compliance with applicable codes; advises builders, developers, architects and engineers of required compliance; prepares and maintains records and files.

• Inspects commercial, residential, multi-family, and industrial construction for compliance with the appropriate building code requirements, with the exception of fire detection, alarming, and suppression systems;
• Reviews building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy, accessibility and related drawings and plans for commercial, residential, industrial and multi-family structures;
• Interprets various codes and provides technical code information to the public, departmental staff, outside architects, engineers and contractors;
• Reviews revised plans to ensure that they have been brought into compliance with the appropriate codes;
• Approves and stamps construction plans;
• Attends meetings and briefs employees on code changes or new interpretations of the codes and keeps employees informed of any new approved materials;
• Keeps records, prepares reports;
• Assists in the preparation of evidence, and testifies in court on code enforcement issues;
• Maintains files on all review comments initiated from county staff on the review of construction plans;
• Attends various meetings and training sessions to stay abreast of professional developments;
• Provides plan review comments and participates in Technical Review Committee and pre-construction meetings with other county staff, architects, engineers and contractors;
• Reviews requests for variances;
• Attends Building Code Appeals Board meetings;
• Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of all types of building construction materials and methods, and of stages of construction when possible violations and defects may be most easily observed and corrected;
• Thorough knowledge of county building requirements and related laws and ordinances;
• Ability to detect poor workmanship, inferior materials and hazards of fire and collapse;
• Ability to read and interpret complex plans, specifications and blueprints quickly and accurately to determine compliance with applicable codes and to compare them with construction in process;
• Ability to contact building owners, contractors and the public and create satisfactory working relationships;
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing with firmness and tact in enforcing building ordinances and codes.

Education and Experience

Graduation from high school and 6 years of experience in performing building plan reviews. Detailed knowledge of and experience with code administration issues.